Preschool children

1. Discuss with the nursery Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator (SENDCo) and make a plan to support your child. A diagnosis is not required for educational support but should be based on the needs of a child. Additional funding can be applied on an individual basis.  If appropriate then you can make an application for an Education Health Care Plan. 
2. Portage may be considered for young children that are not yet in an education setting
3. OurHealth Visiting Service can help understand a child’s needs and give advice and support in areas under their expertise including sleep and development and, in some cases, make onward referrals to other services.
4. GP – Your GP can help with your child’s needs relating to their physical and mental health.

School aged children

1. Discuss with your class teacher, the tutor or the Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator. Make a plan to support your child with reasonable adjustments. There is ordinarily available provision in all schools to give additional support for children that require it. If this is not enough, additional funding can be applied for on an individual basis, or an application made for an Educational Health Care Plan. A diagnosis is not required for educational support.
2. School nurses to help understand a child’s needs and give advice and support in areas under their expertise including sleep and development and, in some cases, make onward referrals to other services.

Children out of school

1. If your child is registered with a school but not attending you can contact the Special Educational Needs and Disability Coordinator for that school for support.
2. If you have opted for home education you can get advice from your Home education officer:

Bristol

South Gloucestershire. 

North Somerset. 

3. Families can still make referrals to the School Nurse even if they are not in school

All ages

1. Find out about what’s on offer in your area for children and young people with additional needs through their Local Offer:

Bristol

South Gloucestershire

North Somerset 

2. There are active Parent Carer Support Groups in every area. Volunteer parent carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities can provide information and support:

Bristol 

South Gloucestershire

North Somerset

3. There are very good courses for parents to learn about expert parenting and behaviour management skills:

Bristol 

North Somerset

South Gloucestershire

4. Independent advice around Education for children with additional educational needs SEND and You. 

Social Care Support

Bristol.

South Gloucestershire. 

North Somerset. 

Mental Health Support

CAMHS:  The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services give support to children and young people who are finding everyday life difficult to cope with because of mental health issues. Please see the CAMHS website to find out more.